How Long Is The Hospital Stay After Hysterectomy?

Hysterectomy is the name given to the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. After the applicable treatments have been tried but not helped with the symptoms, the operation is the then recommended as a final solution. There are different types of hysterectomy performed for different conditions so you might just have your uterus removed, but ovaries, tubes and cervix may also be taken.

There are numerous reasons why a hysterectomy needs to be performed, but the most common is painful, heavy periods in a woman passed her child-bearing years. There are other reasons why a hysterectomy is recommended - uterine prolapse, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, childbirth complications and cancer. Ask for a full explanation from the doctor of the reasons why you need a hysterectomy.

Your doctor may do the surgery through the vagina or an incision across your abdomen. Without needing an incision in the abdomen, a vaginal hysterectomy patient will usually recover faster and will be less bothered by pain. This method isn't right for all patients because it may not be feasible considering the individual's reason for surgery and the general health and age.

You can expect to have some post-operative pain and discomfort, especially after an abdominal hysterectomy. Pain relief is given in hospital and you will possibly have a catheter in place for a day or two to drain urine away.

You will be kept in bed for the first day and then encouraged to walk around a little each day. To reduce the possibility of clots in the legs, is why patients are taken for walks soon after surgery. Patients who have had a vaginal procedure stay in hospital for about 3 or 4 days whereas those who have had abdominal surgery stay for 6 to 7 days.

Make allowance for a recovery period of six to eight weeks at home, to allow for your full recovery. You will need to have some help around the house during this time because you shouldn't lift or stretch.

Expect to have some symptoms during your recovery period. Some vaginal discharge and bleeding is normal for a week or so after a hysterectomy; if this continues, speak to your doctor. You may experience some menopause-type symptoms, but these will usually subside after a week or less. Menopause symptoms include things like crying, confusion, sweats, hot flashes and feeling anxious. If your menopause symptoms continue for longer, you may be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy or HRT.

Many women are worried about how a hysterectomy will affect their sex drive but most women report an improvement in this area. A common symptom in patients who have also had ovaries removed is dryness of the vagina, but you can get relief with taking estrogen and vaginal lubricants. The body takes time to heal and so allow about 6 weeks for complete recovery before having sex again.

Any emotional symptoms you feel after your surgery will be short-lived. Because the majority of women feel so much stronger these few symptoms quickly fade. See your doctor if any of these symptoms continue. The internet can provide more information on hysterectomy surgery, Laparoscopic Hysterectomy and Supracervical Hysterectomy.

After a few eeks at home, start going for a short walk to regain fitness and maintain your normal weight. It is important to take it easy at first, but you can increase your time and distance every few days. Light, frequent exercise like this will help your full recovery. You will find that you are very tired and will need the full six weeks to recover fully.

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Kelly is a knowledgeable in the areas of hysterectomy surgery, migraine treatment and laparoscopic hysterectomy for more information visit her website.

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